📖 Biblical Definition
Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) is the modern movement (Kevin Vanhoozer, Stephen Fowl, Daniel Treier, R. R. Reno, the Brazos commentary series) recovering pre-modern, theologically-engaged reading of the Bible. TIS reacts against historical-critical fragmentation by reading Scripture as the church’s book — with creedal awareness, doctrinal coherence, traditional reception, and Christ-centered focus. It is not anti-historical-critical; it locates that work within a theologically richer reading frame. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Reformed readers will appreciate the recovery while testing each application against the rule of sola Scriptura. Tradition is consulted; it does not govern.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
(Modern movement.) Recovering pre-modern, theologically-engaged reading of Scripture as the church's book.
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Major proponents: Kevin Vanhoozer (Is There a Meaning in This Text?, Drama of Doctrine), Stephen Fowl, Daniel Treier, Robert Jenson, Stanley Hauerwas. Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible series.
Convictions: (1) Scripture is the church's book; (2) the rule of faith and creeds shape reading; (3) pre-modern interpreters are conversation partners, not embarrassments; (4) historical-critical work is useful but not sovereign; (5) doctrinal coherence is a feature not a bug.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Timothy 3:15 — "That thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
Jude 1:3 — "Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
2 Thessalonians 2:15 — "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
Acts 2:42 — "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christian academia often reads the Bible as if the church were not its custodian; theological interpretation insists Scripture is the church's book and its reading is shaped by the church's confession.
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1 Timothy 3:15 calls the church the pillar and ground of the truth. Scripture is given to and for the church; reading it apart from the church's confession and tradition is reading it apart from its proper home.
The household's Bible reading benefits from theological interpretation in modest doses: aware of creedal heritage, in conversation with the church's great teachers, not isolated from the body of Christ across centuries.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek theologia plus interpretation; modern movement.
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Greek theologia — speech about God.
Note: the TIS movement explicitly aligns with patristic and medieval interpretive traditions, not against them.
Usage
"Scripture is given to and for the church."
"Pre-modern interpreters are conversation partners, not embarrassments."
"The church's confession shapes reading."